Staff
All of our teachers have professional performing experience and a proven desire for teaching. They are all, naturally, CRB checked for their suitability for work with young people and benefit from ongoing training and advice from senior teachers.
James Dakers, Principal
- National Diploma in Performing Arts: Musical Theatre (Triple Distinction)
- Professional Performing Experience
- Extensive Teaching Experience across the UK
- Fully CRB checked
- Licensed Chaperone
- Direction, Musical Direction and Choreographic Credits
James has trained in all aspects of Musical Theatre from a young age. He has also worked for a number of theatre schools across the UK and performs regularly, both in the West End and in local theatres. Recently James starred as the demon barber of Fleet Street, Sweeney, in the acclaimed production of Sweeney Todd.
Theatre credits include: 'Oliver' (Charlie Bates), 'Fiddler on the Roof' (Nachum), 'South Pacific' (Lt. Buzz Adams), 'Oklahoma!' (Dream Curly), 'Guys and Dolls' (Benny Southstreet), 'The Gondoliers' (Antonio), 'Happy as a Sandbag' (Ensemble), 'Calamity Jane' (Lt. Danny Gilmartin), 'Salad Days' (Timothy), 'My Fair Lady' (Freddy Eynsford-Hill), 'Kiss Me, Kate' (Hortensio/Dancer), 'Grease' (Danny), 'Chicago' (Billy Flynn and Choreographer), 'Hello Dolly' (Ensemble), 'The Pajama Game' (Hines), High School Musical (Dance Captain/understudy Ryan) and Coram Boy (Thomas).
James also has a number of West End credits to his name including: ‘Life on Earth’ with ATA productions at the Palladium and ‘Sunsets and Mornings’ at Her Majesty’s Theatre. One of James' students is currently appearing alongside Griff Rhys-Jones and Kerry Ellis in the West End production of 'Oliver!'
James’ teaching experience encompasses all three Musical Theatre disciplines.
He has taught Drama for Stagecoach Harpenden and Stagecoach St Albans and as well
as all of his own teaching commitments, is currently Early Stages teacher for Stagecoach
Aylesbury and Drama teacher for Stagecoach Hemel Hempstead and Stagecoach Harpenden.
As a Director and Choreographer, James has worked on “A Chorus Line”,
“Fame”, “Beauty and the Beast” and recently “Kiss
me, Kate” at the Radlett Centre. He now works as a private Musical Theatre
coach for young people in London and Herefordshire. James is also Artistic Director
of Thame Youth Theatre and recently judged the national Singing competition, "Open
Mic UK".
James is looking forward to working on Peter Pan at The Courtyard, Hereford and will also be directing "Hairspray" at The Phoenix Theatre, Thame this Summer.
Louise Flitney, Assistant Principal (Ludlow and Hereford)
- National Diploma in Performing Arts: Dance (Triple Distinction)
- Wealth of Performing Experience
- Extensive Teaching Experience across the UK
- Fully CRB checked
- Working towards her ISTD teaching qualifications
Louise trained at the Julie Morton School of Dance and went on to complete her national diploma in Performing Arts at West Herts College where she achieved triple distinction. She is currently working towards her Associate ISTD teaching qualification for Disco Freestyle and is an accomplished dancer in many different styles (including Ballet, Contemporary, Tap, Jazz, Ballroom , Disco, Rock ‘n’ Roll and Hip-Hop).
Production credits include: Fame, West Side Story, Grease, The Nutcracker and Dancing through the Decades. Louise also appeared in a musical theatre variety show at Her Majesty’s Theatre, London.
As a choreographer Louise has worked on ‘The Nutcracker’, ‘Dance through the decades’, ‘World war 2’, ‘A Grimm Night’, ‘High School Musical’, ‘Honk’ and a West End Variety Show.
Louise currently teaches for Stagecoach Leighton Buzzard and both LightsDown’s main academy and our after-school clubs. Louise is responsible for all our youngest students in Downstage.
Aaron Upton, Assistant Principal (Bushey)
- National Diploma in Performing Arts: Musical Theatre (Triple Distinction)
- Professional Performing Experience
- Drama Teaching Experience
- Fully CRB checked
- Child Protection Training
Aaron trained at West Herts College, where he studied Musical Theatre and performed in shows such as "High School Musical" and "We'll Meet Again". Since LightsDown started, Aaron has been involved in all aspects of running our two other schools.
Theatre credits include: 'The Wizard of Oz' (Lion), 'Coram Boy' (Alexander), 'Sweeney Todd' (Gilbert), 'Kiss me, Kate' (Gremio), 'Romeo and Juliet' (Lord Capulet), 'Grease' (Ensemble) and 'Nutcracker' (The Nutcracker).
TV and Film include: The Graham Norton Show (Dancer), Sixties Watford (Dancer), Chemical Weddings (College Boy).
Aaron was also involved in the Queen's Golden Jubilee, choreograhing a sequence for the Queen's parade. He has extensive experience of working in the inclusive theatre sector and is passionate about the confidence and skills that students get from attending LightsDown.
Aaron has taught for a number of companies including: Clubs4Children, Chickenshed (HIT Project) and Act One Theatre Company. Aaron has also taught for LightsDown in our Ludlow school.
Other Associates:
- Kerry Ellis - Patron, currently "Nancy" in Oliver and recently "Elphaba" in Wicked
- Caroline Fitch - After School Club Tutor
- Becci KC - Company Stage Manager
- Rob Foskett - Lighting Designer
- Jordan Leech - Downstage Assistant
- Hannah Lewis - Drama Teacher
- Rosie Tasker - Pianist
All of our teachers are CRB checked, professional performers. If you are interested in working for us then please get in touch - we are currently recruiting Party Hosts, After School Club tutors and Downstage Teachers for our 4 - 8 year old classes.
We are keen to hear from people who would like to work with us to launch further Downstage classes for 4 - 8 year olds. Full training provided.
